Seroprevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Small Ruminants (Sheep and Goat) Slaughtered in Karu Abbatoir, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.

Foot and Mouth Disease is a contagious viral disease of cattle and sheep, causing ulceration of the hoofs and around the mouth. The role of small ruminants in FMD epidemiology is still poorly understood in Nigeria. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) antibodies in sheep and goats slaughtered in Karu abattoir. One hundred and twenty (120) sera each were collected from both sheep and goats and screened for FMDV antibodies using 3ABC ELISA. The result showed that 89 (74.2) of the sheep sera screened were positive for FMDV antibodies whereas 103 (85.8) of the goat sera were positive. It was more prevalent in goats. The finding indicates a characteristic maintenance host nature for FMD virus in small ruminants without apparent clinical signs. This study suggested an on-going infection in small ruminant co-herding with cattle as a risk factor. This risk factor may enhance FMD transmission associated with increased movement of infected live animals from endemic states to markets and abattoirs following livestock trade activities. FMD is a Transboundary Animal Disease (TAD) affecting livestock production and disrupting regional and international trade in animals and animal products. The detection of FMD antibodies in sheep and goats slaughtered in Karu abattoir suggests small ruminants play important roles in the epidemiology of Foot and Mouth Disease in Nigeria. Good tracking of origin and proper surveillance system for FMD in animals brought into the abbatoir to be slaughtered are recommended for a comprehensive prevention and control of the disease.